Amid the back to school mayhem of booklists, stationery, uniforms and shoes, it’s easy to overlook some of the undercover heroes that make the return to school so much easier.

Seasoned mums know that there’s a bit more to the back to school list than pens and pencil cases. We’re talking about the unexpected items that make your life (and your child’s school day) so much easier. From secret school bag stashes to an absolute must for any home with school kids, here’s our list of back to school essentials you didn’t know you needed!

1. Secret School Bag Stash

Kids will find the most creative ways to get themselves wet or dirty while they’re at school, so a stash of clean socks and underwear is a must.

While schools will usually have some spare uniforms or clothing available, it can be a little embarrassing for kids to ask, so they’ll usually just get around in wet socks for the day – not ideal! A ziplock bag with a couple of spare pairs of socks and underwear doesn’t take up much room in the schoolbag, so a secret stash is easy to pop away for a rainy day!

2. A Just-In-Case Lice Solution

It’s pretty much a given that at some stage during the school year, one of the kids will come home with some extra ‘friends’ (and not the kind who want snacks and a sleepover!). Being prepared for a lice infestation with a proven, easy treatment option on hand is one of the key back-to-school essentials nobody tells you about!

The Licetec V-COMB A1 is an effective and family-friendly alternative to get rid of head lice, including those pesky “super lice,” without the need for harmful chemicals. It’s a clever option that can be stored away until it’s needed. It’s as simple as combing the hair with the V-COMB device while its suction power traps head lice and eggs into the hands-free disposable capture filter. A completely mess-free, simple, and no-tears solution.

We also love that the V-COMB can be used to detect head lice – just comb it through the hair, and if your child does have some little travellers, they will be sucked up into the capture filter and you’ll know definitively if you have an infestation. No guesswork! Then simply keep combing according to the instructions to remove the lice and their eggs. Easy peasy.

3. Coins. Lots Of Coins!

The amount of times your kids will need a gold coin for something other throughout the year will blow your mind. Random icy-pole days, donations, commemorative badges – you name it! And kids will usually forget to ask for coins in the morning rush – so keep a small stash of gold coins in their schoolbag for emergencies.

4. Sunscreen

Most schools will provide sunscreen for kids, but getting them to reapply during the day is almost impossible! Pop a roll-on sunscreen that’s easy to apply in their bags, and remind them to reapply before they go out to play at lunchtime. If the sunscreen is within site of their lunch box, they’re far more likely to remember!

5. A Note From Home

Sometimes school brings on big feelings. And all kids want is their mum or dad – but of course, that can’t happen. The next best thing is an encouraging note. Nominate a place in their bag that you’ll pop a heartfelt note, and tell your kids to find it if they’re having a tough day.

They will honestly completely forget about it in the hustle and bustle and fun of a normal school day, but they will remember it’s there when they need a pick-me-up. Once they’ve read the note on a tough day, replace it with another.

More About Licetec V-COMB A1

Now you know the helpful extras other mums have to help them get ready for the school year, it’s time to gather everything, including a Licetec V-COMB A1.

This first-of-its kind product is the only one of its kind on the market – using suction to remove head lice and eggs, with no chemicals involved AT ALL! It’s the ultimate solution, and can be used over and over – either for infestations or just to make sure there are no lice in your kids’ hair. No guess work at all!

It’s battery powered so you can easily give your children’s head and scalps a once-over while they’re watching TV or gaming. There are no smelly and harmful chemicals, so it’s gentle on the scalp, and can be used by the whole family.

It’s the ultimate back to school must-have

The V-COMB is an allergen- and chemical-free device that eliminates head lice and eggs with the ease of combing the hair. With its stainless-steel combing teeth and suction power, the V-Comb extracts head lice and eggs into a disposable capture filter which can be seen through the LED-illuminated compartment.

The V-Comb A1 Rechargable ($72.99) is available at Licetec.